Now, that's going to change, she said, with the Indiana University Health "My Healthy Habits" app for the iPhone and other Apple products.

"We're on our phones so much, texting, especially the younger people, it's a way to get support with you all the time," Green said. "It takes away so many of the excuses because you can see how you're doing, share it with others and keep track whenever you want.

"And, you can set your own goals, not what someone else thinks your goals should be. It's for you."

The "My Healthy Habits" app - which is free - was created by IU Health to give clients a simple way to keep track of their lifestyle changes.

Users choose between being active, eating a healthy breakfast, eating more fruits and vegetables and getting more sleep, or they can create their own new habit to follow.

Instead of writing down their progress - or inevitable setbacks - they enter information into the app and see their progress in 21-day increments.

"We know as dietitians that having people write down what they're eating, how long they're sleeping, just keeping track of their diet every day helps them progress toward their goals. But the process of writing everything down gets tedious for some people," said Christy Tunnell, director of support services for Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital. "With this app, they can still stay motivated and collect their information, but it's in a fun, new way that keeps people interested in their goal."

In February, the app is expected to be available for Android users, allowing more clients to follow their health and fitness progress.

And no one is telling users they have to shoot for the fitness moon of wearing a size 2 bikini by June or running a marathon by the end of 2013.

Dietitians remind potential users it takes 21 days to break or create a new habit. Starting by adding more fruits and vegetables to your lunch and/or dinner is something attainable - in a healthy manner.

Going for a 30-minute walk three days a week can affect your physical and mental health and help improve body image.

These small changes can have huge dividends in the long run.

According to dietitians, this new app also can help make that annual New Year's resolution of "getting healthy" more of a reality.

"It's the ease of having it with you on your phone or tablet," Tunnell said. "You'll have more success when you know you can check on how your doing and see the three week changes."